Apple’s second generation Apple TV looks as though it is in the early stages of becoming a game console. Although, currently games are not available to download directly on the device, you can play your iOS games on your HDTV via AirPLay.

These games will require you to have an iPad 2 or iPhone 4S that can mirror the games to your HDTV. After playing games on Apple TV with AirPlay, it’s apparent there is something great in the making.

MetalStorm: WingmanFREE

MetalStorm: Wingman is a jet fighting game with exceptional graphics that look great while playing it on an HDTV. Once you turn on AirPlay Mirroring while playing the game on an iPad, your iPad turns into a remote for the game.

Here is a picture of what the game looks like on your Apple TV.

Here is what the screen looks like on an iPad 2 after AirPlay mirroring is turned on.

The accelerometer and gyroscope are used to control flight by tilting and turning the iPad, while the iPad’s screen is optimized for a remote. The speed controls are on the left of the screen and missiles are on the right.

Real Racing 2 HD$3.99

Real Racing 2 HD is probably the most popular game to take full advantage of AirPlay and Apple TV. The game has stunning graphics and superb game play.

The games recent update makes it the first to add split screen multiplayer via AirPLay. As you can see from the photo above, you can have four players racing at the same time and you will notice the iPad’s screen is optimized for a remote while using AirpLay.

Pinball HD$0.99

Pinball HD has been around for awhile but they recently added support for AirPlay. The game has three different realistic looking pinball tables that will keep you entertained for hours.

Pinball HD is about as close as you can get to playing pinball on an actual pinball table. Playing the game on a big screen tv makes it even better.

Again, once AirPlay Mirroring is enabled, the screen on the iPad turns into a remote. The remote only displays in portrait but that is the most comfortable way to hold the iPad while playing the game.

I think these games are just starting to scratch the surface of gaming on Apple TV. If you noticed, all three of these games combined cost less than five dollars (Real Racing was on sale at the time.) There are currently over 500,000 iOS apps and the largest category is games.

While game play and graphics are not as good as Xbox or Playstation, it is currently good enough for casual gamers and iOS games will only get better with future hardware and software updates.

One Response

Ok, let me get this straight. $599 for the iPad, $299 for each iPod touch to use as multiplayer controller, and $99 for the Apple TV. So to get my whole family up and running to play this together, it’s only $1600? What a deal! I’ll just hold off on paying my mortgage for a few months!